The Time Weaver

Part 21 - The Beginning

I woke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through Eric's curtains. The warmth of Eric's body beside mine was a comforting anchor, reminding me of the night we shared - of whispered confessions and tender embraces that we had solidified our bond.

I turned to gaze at Eric, marveling at how peaceful he looked in sleep, his features softened by the morning light. I brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, my heart swelling with affection. Our journey to this moment had been a maze of missed chances and unspoken desires, but now, lying here with him, I felt a sense of clarity and contentment I had never known before.

As I traced my fingers lightly across Eric's cheek, memories of our shared night flooded my mind- the way his touch had ignited a fire within me, how his kisses had stirred emotions I had long kept hidden. It was more than physical attraction; it was a deep connection that resonated in every word and touch exchanged between them.

"You're awake...Good morning babe," Eric murmured sleepily, his voice rough with morning huskiness. He opened his eyes, meeting my gaze with a soft smile that melted her heart.

"Yeah...Good Morning," I replied softly, unable to tear my eyes away from him. "I can't believe this is real."

Eric reached out, pulling me closer until our bodies were pressed together once more. "It's real," he assured me, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "And it's only the beginning."

I felt a surge of warmth spread at his words. I had finally taken a leap of faith, crossing the threshold from friendship to something deeper and more profound. I nestled into Eric's embrace, feeling a sense of peace settle over me as they lay intertwined, our hearts beating in sync.

"I have an exam today," I finally remembered, ...Oh God...! I glanced at the clock, realizing that we had spent the night wrapped up in each other, oblivious to the passage of time.

Eric brushed a kiss against my temple, his touch reassuring. "You'll do great," he said with unwavering confidence. "You've worked so hard for this."

I nodded, a flicker of nervousness coursing through me despite Eric's reassurance. The exam was important-a culmination of months of dedication and late-night study sessions. But with Eric by her side, I felt a newfound sense of calm and determination.

We lingered in bed a little longer, exchanging soft kisses and whispered promises before reluctantly getting up to start the day. Eric made breakfast- we ate together, stealing glances and sharing smiles that conveyed more than words ever could.

As I prepared to leave for her exam, Eric pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips. "Good luck," he murmured against my skin, his hands cradling her face gently.

"Thank you," I replied, my heart fluttering at the tenderness in his touch. "I'll see you later?"

Eric nodded, his eyes filled with unwavering support. "First, let me drop you..." he said.

With a final embrace, we left dorm. As I entered the exam room, I took a deep breath, my thoughts briefly drifting back to the moments shared with Eric. With his belief in me echoing in mind, I focused on the task ahead, ready to conquer the challenge before her, fueled by the love that had blossomed unexpectedly but beautifully in the midst of their shared journey.